Your State Association and What It Does for You

As an HME provider, have you ever recognized the role of your state association? They work amazingly hard to provide support for you and your business.

This past week, I have had the good fortune of speaking to half dozen executive directors and I am amazed at what I heard. If you only receive a summary of the state and national legislations, both pending and in place, they have earned their money. But you get so much more! They speak to the legislators on your behalf. They know the health legislative assistants in all the offices. Via e-mail and telephone they send your messages to them. There is no way of calculating everything they do for the very small fee you pay for their services.

I have received copies of some of the messages that members receive from their state associations. Receiving updated and current information is another service which cannot be obtained anywhere else. How much is this worth to you?

Politicians thrive on votes from their electorate. They must have them or they cannot be elected or remain in office. The ability that you and your employees have to influence your customers, patients and family caregivers is immense. Your state association provides you with the tools and support necessary to do this.

I have attended many state DME association meetings. The speakers are always informative. This is a central place to meet some of the salespeople who service you. It is also the arena to meet with your peers. What an opportunity to locate friends, share good ideas and all work together for the common good!

At Medtrade this year, there will be a State Association Pavilion. Stop by to see them and tell them how much you appreciate what they do for you. Bring any peers who do not belong and see to it that they sign on at Medtrade.